Although my 1973 journey to West Africa had deeply affected my life and my world view, it never occurred to me to go back to Africa or become more involved until I attended Forum ’85, the NGO UN Women’s Conference in Nairobi in July 1985.  I traveled in Kenya after the conference. This trip rekindled my direct involvement with Africa made me realize my affinity for West Africa and for Mali in particular.  I participated in panel discussions and lectured about the conference and my travels in Kenya for several years.